I explain the mechanics of English pronunciation, and specific strategies to sound British.
There is a major misconception that people have about accent reduction and elocution. People often wrongly assume that I am the one telling them how to speak English. They assume that changing your accent erases your identity. As I have said before, how you speak is your choice. I simply provide a solution for those …
Accent reduction wasn’t something I was eager to get into. Growing up in a class-conscious society within the UK, people tread on eggshells when it comes to accents. An accent can indicate your upbringing, education, social circle, profession, and class. It’s an uncomfortable subject, and very few people like to talk about it. Growing up …
One of the major hurdles I encounter is the perception people have of digital courses. For many, it immediately creates resistance. People often view digital courses as some kind of marketing scam: “Buy my eBook or digital course and get rich”. Every other famous YouTuber, Instagrammer, and TikToker has a free eBook or course for …
We have to start with the process of learning English. Most ESL (English as a second language) speakers don’t learn English from a native English speaker. The requirements for becoming an ESL teacher usually are not based on the ability to articulate the sounds of English in a native-like manner, but on their understanding of …
Why do so many people struggle with their accent? Read More »
I could respond by asking: how long is a piece of string? But this is a vague response that deflects from the question. So I will get to the point and simplify it as much as possible. The short answer is that anyone seeking change should be willing to invest at least £1,000, or more …
So how many lessons do you need and how much is it going to cost? Read More »
It’s not in my interest to get as many students as possible. Time spent teaching students cannot be scaled (unless I hire other teachers). However, I can scale the learning materials and the digital courses. Teaching more than two or three hours a day is challenging. It requires a high level of cognitive work and …
What to Expect from One to One Pronunciation Coaching Read More »
One of the biggest complaints people have about accent reduction and elocution is the prohibitive cost. Your average accent reduction school in London can charge anywhere between £100 to £300 per hour for a session with a qualified coach. Lured by the appeal of the promises made by the school, students believe they will finally …
Is There Any Point to Accent Reduction? (Why the Industry Fails You) Read More »
When people ask me what I do for a living, I hesitate. I wouldn’t really describe being an accent coach or a pronunciation instructor as my full time profession. Previously I worked as a translator and currently I’m involved in other lines of work in a completely different industry. Honestly, I often hesitate because some …
Over the years, I’ve taught a wide range of individuals—from CEOs and doctors to students and retirees. Some struggle to make any progress after months of lessons, while others excel within weeks. Through this experience, I’ve learned that talent has very little to do with it. Students often think a tutor is a “magic bullet” …
Accent reduction is an industry built on frustration. Despite spending large sums on private tutors, students often fail to achieve even 10% of their desired results. They learn the theory, but the sound doesn’t change. Why? Because learning English phonetics is easy. Changing your accent is hard. The “Academic” Trap Most language schools sell you …
Why Understanding Phonetics Isn’t Improving Your Accent Read More »